Not to Ruff

 

A misty Monday morning wasn't what one had hoped for. But as i headed to the point a very obliging Short-eared Owl was very busy quartering the marsh looking for food. This rather smart Owl kept me company for most of my visit during the day. On the flood water a Green Sandpiper, Three Ruff  and a single little ringed Plover were busy feeding in the margins. Whilst two Great white Egrets patrolled the fields nearby.

Patch work Monday

Monday morning was here and with a clear sunny sky and a frost on the ground i decided to head straight for Langenhoe point in hope of spotting some Bearded Tits. And i wasn't disappointed with 25+ individuals feeding on the reed tops, as the thawed in the early morning sun allowing them to feed. During my stroll round the point 6 separate water rails could be heard squealing in different locations.

After spending a few hours on the point i decided to have a look down the centre track. This area has been out off bounds recently. As i scanned the Hawthorn bushes through my Binoculars i noticed a pale patch on a Hawthorn bush. On closer inspection with the scope it revealed 4 Short-eared Owls in a Parliament meeting. 

 

Another is in the top right back corner

After leaving the Owls the seawall was my next port of call but i was stopped in my tracks by a Cattle Egret and the Great white Egret flying around the marsh from one spot to another. A final look over the sea wall produced a good number of winter ducks and a quick snap of my favorites the Pintails. What a lovely end to a bird filled day on my Patch. A quick look at my watch and 6 hours has passed and it was time for home. Roll on next week  

Short moment

As my weekly visit to the Ranges was finishing and I was making notes of  the birds I had seen on the day. It dawned on me that I only had one more chance to get out here before New year. Could anything else turn up?.  I drove up the track and as i approached the last cattle grid. I could see a large bird perched on the side of some Brambles. I looked through the binoculars and was greeted with this stunning Short-eared Owl. Hooray another species for the yearly list. And being I had dipped out on them at the start of the year a very pleasing meeting and a species I always enjoy photographing.

Overcast Owls.

Sitting on the sea wall in the overcast conditions friday evening was worth it in the end. When i was finally rewarded with 2 Short-eared owls quartering the nearby fields and marsh.

Time out !!!!

Time is always limited when i have the chance to visit a M.O.D permit only area. So these or just a few sightings from last year although they are not brilliant pictures they are still very memorable moments that i feel are worthy off showing.

Cooper's trio.

In between the showers, and with a short ray of sunlight, i took my dog for a stroll to our local patch. And knowing that there has been 2 short-eared owls seen on the on the fields between Coopers Beach & the youth camp. How surprised i was to see two owl's hunting whilst i was photographing a third bird on the ground.

Quick shot of a Short Eared Owl

A misty morning was cheered up by the sight of a Short Eared Owl on my local patch.